Cerveteri: the Necropolis of the Banditaccia

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Discovering of the Etruscan necropolis of Banditaccia

We will explore a fascinating place, one of the largest necropolis of the ancient world, built over 2500 years ago by the wealthy inhabitants of the powerful city of Caere. In its heyday, when the city hosted Greek potters which made some real masterpieces, Cerveteri had two harbors (Alsium, today Palo Laziale, and Pyrgi, near the Castle of Santa Severa, who has given us the so-called "lamine", one of the longest Etruscan inscriptions). Even local artists produced works of great value, as the sarcophagus of the spouses (now in the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia) and the magnificent gold jewelry of the Regolini-Galassi tomb (exposed in the Gregorian Etruscan Museum, Vatican Museums).

Walking among the large burial mounds (symbol of the wealth of the ancient lords of the city) and the more recent "dice" graves, we will also refute the myth of the so-called "Etruscan mystery" and find out many details of this fascinating people: its origins, its customs and traditions, the role of women, language, trade, art, war, religion, divination, as well as, of course, funeral rites.

Details

 3 hours

 archaeological area

 entrance ticket not included

 Unesco heritage
 we suggest comfortable shoes, a hat (in summer) and a packed lunch